How working from home harms health

Working from home has a negative impact on physical health, new research from La Trobe University reveals.

While there were some benefits associated with working from home, including improved flexibility and the ability to spend the time previously dedicated to commuting with family, or doing chores, researchers found there were more negatives than positives for most workers.

The study found working from home increases the likelihood of weight gain, musculoskeletal pain, exhaustion and burnout.

Head of the centre for ergonomics and human factors at La Trobe University, Associate Professor Jodi Oakman, says working from home disrupted healthy routines.

“They weren’t able to do all their normal exercise … and people were working long hours trying to juggle lots of things,” she told Ross and Russel.

Press PLAY below to hear how working from home has impacted physical health